Janet Jackson to Make Trans Documentary

She describes Truth as a “journey through the lives of trans- and nongendered people around the world.” Janet Jackson (yes, that Janet Jackson) has signed onto executive produce a new documentary that she says will help shed light on the struggle many gender nonconforming and transitioning people face every day.

“All people are very important to me,” Jackson says in a press statement. “I’ve been fortunate to make friends and learn about very different lives. Trith is our small chance to ask that you try and understand someone who lives their life in a way that is a little bit different from yours, even though all of our hearts are the same.”

Jackson is no stranger to supporting LGBT causes during her career. And her high profile production credit is expected to catapult the film into a public sphere that most other independent documentaries about trans men and women might not ever enjoy.

Directed by Robert Jason, who also directed Style Exposed: Born Male, Living Female last year, the film is expected to begin shooting this summer.

“Janet Jackson will take us on a visually innovative, cerebral journey through the turbulent lives of transgender people of all ages around the world and their epic struggle for equality,” explains the director. “This film will highlight landmark mainstream stories and provide a glimpse at others that will change the gender landscape of the world forever. Just as it is hard to believe that there ever was a time when different components of society were required to use separate drinking fountains, it is as incredible that one’s gender expression remains just such a target for discrimination.”

“We want to stop hate,” says Jackson, “and find understanding.”